One of the biggest issues about Lions' general manager Bob Quinn is that he hasn’t really done it his way.

Retaining Jim Caldwell as head coach for two years, allowing quarterback Matthew Stafford to retain his offensive coordinator when Matt Patricia was hired as head coach, re-signing multiple players from the regime of previous general manager Martin Mayhew.

At least in 2019, these will mostly be the Lions of Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia.

By reportedly agreeing to terms with defensive end Trey Flowers, cornerback Justin Coleman, tight end Jesse James and wide receiver Danny Amendola, the Lions have gained not only talent, but players who better fit their system and approach.

Flowers isn’t a sack machine, and yes, at $16 million per season, overpriced, but he is an ideal fit for Patricia’s 3-4 hybrid defense as the down end on the weak side. He is still young, and perhaps most important, Patricia was integral in his development as the Patriots defensive coordinator. He’ll buy into the more intense work ethic and preparation habits than players from the Lions’ previous coaching staff and front office, who pushed back hard by sniping Patricia during his first season.

All these signings, with the exception of Amadola, are upgrades for the Lions from last season. They also provide flexibility for the draft.

James is a rangy tight end, a big, relatively athletic target, who likely has yet to play his best football.

You can argue justifiably the Lions are overpaying a bit for Amendola at 33, but he did play well under trying circumstances in Miami last season, is also a proven receiver throughout his career, not just his time with New England and he has exceptional competitive character.

Coleman is not a great player. He has overachieved as an undrafted player, but Coleman is strong in pass coverage and a dramatic upgrade from the departed Nevin Lawson.

Lawson, Glover Quin, Ziggy Ansah, Golden Tate - one-by-one the Lions players who couldn’t get it done are being moved off the roster.

There are some parts remaining (Stafford, safety Quandre Diggs, kicker Matt Prater, cornerback Darius Slay and probably punter Sam Martin, perhaps running back Zack Zenner), but especially after this upcoming NFL Draft, this will much be a team built in the image of Quinn and Patricia.